Revolving door

ABSTRACT

Improvements in vanes such as used in doors and similar mechanisms having movable partitions connecting or separating two or several regions. The vane construction is characterized by a predetermined angular conjunction of a plurality of portions and is to be used in revolving doors, turnstyles, etc., and/or as replacement of conventional swinging doors.

United States Patent 91 Economou 51 Apr. 10, 1973 541 REVOLVING DOOR 2,939,527 6/1960 Cann' ..49 371 x [76] Inventor: George J. Economou, 8 Elm Street, Primary Emminer-i Karl Norton 02766 Attorney-Richard P. Crowley [22] Filed: Jan. 26, 1971 I [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl.N0.: 109,788

Improvements in vanes such as used in doors and similar mechanisms having movable partitions con- U-S- Clnecting o separating two or several regions The vane [5 ll'lt- C]. construction is characterized a predetermined angular conjunction of a plurality of portions and is to be Field of Search 49/42-47, 41, 366, 371, 381

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,309,893 Gersbach ..49/46 used in revolving doors, tumstyles, etc., and/or as replacement of conventional swinging doors.

5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures I IO PATENTEUAPR1 01m SHEET 1 [1F 2 [FIG.1

IFIGQIJ 32 H II 22 GROUND SPACE PRIOR ART sum 2 OF 2 CLOSED OPEN B c 54 Q 56 58 52 a A v I v TRAFFIC FLOW V A N 50 e o 52 [FIG. 6

REVOLVING DOOR This invention relates to improvements in vanes such as used in doors and similar mechanisms. It relates generally to movable partitions connecting or separating two or several regions. In particular, the invention relates to a vane construction to be used in revolving doors, turnstyles, etc., and as replacement of conventional swinging doors.

Principal objects of the invention include the provision of an improved vane construction which, without substantially increasing the expense of manufacture or the difficulty of installation, makes for a door which is more comfortable to operate and more efflcient in the management of traffic flow. As used herein door will be understood to include various kinds of portals whether designed to accept human, animal, or conveyed inanimate traffic.

To achieve these ends, one aspect of the invention contemplates a revolving door including a plurality of vanes extending outward from the longitudinal axis of a central revolving hub or vertical member. The primary characteristic feature of construction is the L-shaped angular conjunction of two portions or partial folding of one member to comprise each vane. While preferably planar, these vane portions may be curved surfaces. The angle A of attachment of adjoining sides of two such portions for a three foot radius revolving door is presently preferred to be an obtuse angle of approximately 140 but may be set at any predetermined value between 90 and 175 depending upon selected operating conditions. The criteria of vane design are chiefly the angular attachment of adjoining sides (same or different angles A of attachment) of two vane portions where one portionis a multiple factor greater in width (same or different heights) and generally it is the narrower portion which is rigidly attached along the innermost part either radially or tangentially to the longitudinal axis of the centrally located common revolving hub or vertical member. In another aspect of the invention these L-shaped vanes may be hinged, or pivoted in any conventional manner to an extreme boundary post such as a door casing or wall.

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially broken away perspective view of a revolving door constructed according to invention;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of the revolving door of FIG. 1 (prior art indicated by broken lines);

FIG. 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of one compartment only of the revolving door of FIGS. 1 and 2 and of a prior art revolving door;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of L-shaped" swinging single doors according to invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of L-shaped" swinging double doors according to invention; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a passageway containing an array of L-shaped swinging single doors.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a revolving door indicated generally by the reference number 10. The door includes a central, vertically disposed axis 12 with a plurality of outwardly extending vanes 14, individually identified with letter suffixes.

The vane assembly rotates within a casing consisting of two vertical arcuate walls 16 and 18 (FIG. 2) which subtend slightly more than about axis 12 and which are disposed on opposite sides of cylindrical vestibule 20 which has its center coincident with axis 12. Each vane 14 has an inner portion 22 and an outer portion 24. As seen in FIG. 2 each side of the inner and outer portions adjoin at an obtuse angle A of attachment. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 each obtuse angle A points in the direction of rotation of the revolving door (i.e., counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2). While a single member may be bent to produce the two portions of each vane, the vanes may also constitute separate pieces maintained rigidly or releasably at an obtuse angle A by any conventional means, e. g., firm or reflex angle ties 26 of FIG. 1. The ties provide for achieving an angular relationship of portions 22 and 24 which may be selectively varied and set at any predetermined value between 90 and Reflex angle ties permit yielding of outer vane portion 24 in a sense contrary to the rotation of the revolving door. This safety feature may be incorporated since outer vane portion 24 would yield somewhat should a human limb or object be accidentally caught between a vane 14 and a casing wall 16 or 18.

In the instance of folding whereby passage through the revolving door is possible without revolution of the set of vanes, each angle A of attachment can be changed to such a reflex angle that the outer portion 24 of one vane is collapsed against the leading vane while the diametrically opposed vane is similarly collapsed; or each angle A of attachment can be changed to such an acute angle that the outer portion 24 of one vane is collapsed against the trailing vane while the diametrically opposed vane is similarly collapsed.

The entire inner cylindrical space shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, is divided by four vanes into four equal and separate compartments (i.e., the space between adjacent vanes). A wide variation in the number and size of these compartments is possible using the L-shaped vane construction.

FIG. 2 indicates a prime characteristic of space redistribution within each compartment where broken lines denote conventional prior revolving door vanes which emanate from the same central axis 12. FIG. 3 facilitates visualization of this superposition in FIG. 2 and illuminates more clearly a typical spaced redistribution acquired through theinvention. An inherent distinct advantage of the invention is this unique redistribution of ground space most utilized by an individual in passing through a revolving door or similar mechanism. It also provides for an individual in transit a more comfortable orientation for applying forces against a conventional push bar 30 to cause the vane assembly to rotate. An additional feature is the use of surface 32 of inner vane portion 22 for decorative or commercial purposes since this area is now more easily visually accessible to the user.

Regions surrounding portals of such mechanisms are generalized to refer to unrestricted volumes such as extended rooms, corridors, covered or uncovered enclosures, or vehicles.

It has been found that, for a three foot radius revolving door, the sides of the inner vane portion 22 may be approximately 9 inches in width (i.e., horizontal dimensions along vane from vertical axis 12), the sides of the outer vane portion 24 about 29 541 inches in width and the angle A of attachment of adjoining sides of these portions to be 140. Two or more vane portions may be incorporated in each separate vane.

The vanes may be provided with conventional flexible extensions (not shown) at the outer, upper and lower edges to effect a weather or airlock seal with the casing. It should be noted that the provision of a flexible flap at the outer edge of vane portion 24 facilitates the adjustment of angle A of attachment, since as angle A is made smaller the outer edge of portion 24 will retract somewhat from the casing walls 16 and 18. Fine adjustments of angle A would be useful to maintain the desired degree of seal between the flap and the casing and would also provide an adjustable drag resistance to control the rate of rotation.

Conventional Weatherstripping, recessed canopy lights airlocks, oil seals, locks, etc., may be provided in the door of FIGS. 1 and 2. Reinforcing rings 28 may be provided connecting adjacent vanes to strengthen the entire unit particularly for operating under unusually strong forces, e.g., high winds. In addition, conventional push bars 30 are provided at the appropriate height. (The push bars have been deleted in FIG. 2 to facilitate the description of other features.)

Further embodiments of this L-shaped vane configuration include its incorporation as replacement of conventional doors which swing on pivots or hinges generally along one side. Typical implementations as single and double door systems are shown in FIGS. 4-6.

A typical prior art single planar door is shown in FIG. 4A, where the door 40 is mounted to swing about axis 42 defined by the location of the mechanism by which the door is attached within the door opening to the wall 44. The angled vane 46 according to this aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 48 and 4C. FIG. illustrates a double door configuration, employing vanes 46 according to the invention. In both single and double L-shaped door configurations, but chiefly in thedouble door construction, the vanes 46 when opened may serve as guides for channeling traffic through each unit. (Conventional apparatus to restrict the swing of the single or double door units and a spring, or similar, return mechanism for closure may be provided.) Furthermore, under some wind conditions larger forces would be necessary to open conventional swinging doors than my angled vane doors.

These doors may serve as exits only or also for admittance. Most effective transit is achieved at directions oblique to the primary wall which may additionally be parallel or convergent with respect to another wall with a passageway of any form between these walls. A situation is illustrated in FIG. 6 where the direction of traffic flow in corridor 50 is indicated. (The traffic may be humans or animals walking or being conveyed in the indicated direction.) The doors 54, 56, 58 and 60 illustrate different angles A of attachment of sides of adjoining vane portions of different dimensions. Easier and more comfortable transit is attained by designing these L-shaped doors with optimum angles A of attachment and proper scaling and sizing of vane portions, considering expected predominant directions and magnitudes of traffic flow. A conventional swinging door in the plane of corridor wall 52 would not be as efficient to open since the direction of approach is perpendicular to the indicated direction of travel.

A horizontally swinging pushbar safety release may be hinged or pivot-mounted and constructed to actuate a locking latch mechanism (not shown), in any conventional manner, and to provide a platform for applying forces to open these doors (typically illustrated as item 62 in door 58 of FIG. 6). Alternatively, the push bar may be mounted in a fixed position relative to the door.

In addition to conventional Weatherstripping, win dows, oil seals, mortise locks, handles, etc., a canopy and sill along with reinforcing ties between vane portions may also be provided in the doors of FIGS. 4-6.

Metering devices or coin stops for counting single persons or platoons of people or objects or for maintaining or changing traffic flow rates is assumed throughout the invention. Depending upon anticipated or experienced capacities, the number of vane portions may be changed and corresponding heights varied. Variation of width of the vane portions for passage of single or multiple entities through separate door enclosures installed in any optimum distribution pattern (consecutive, staggered, etc.) is also assumed.

Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

What is claimed is: a

1. An improved revolving door which comprises in combination:

a. a cylindrical vestibule comprising vertical arcuate casing walls defining a door opening;

b. a common vertically disposed axis comprising a vertical member within the door opening;

c. a plurality of outwardly extending vertically disposed vanes adapted to revolve together about the common vertically disposed axis;

d. each vane comprising an inner and outer portion:

i. the innermost part of the inner portion is rigidly attached to the common vertically disposed axis;

ii. the outermost part of the inner portion is adjoined to the innermost part of the outer portion;

iii. the outer part of the outer portion adapted, at

times, to be in close sealing proximity to each vertical arcuate casing wall;

e. each side of each inner portion is extended horizontally a predetermined distance from the common vertically disposed axis to increase the travel space of a user passing through the door opening;

f. each side of each outer portion is extended horizontally from the inner vane portion for a distance greater than the predetermined extended distance of the inner portion;

g. each side of each outer portion making an angle with the inner portion of between and h. each side of each inner and outer portion being in a continuous plane; and

i. at least one vane is always in close sealing proximity with each vertical arcuate casing wall so as to prevent the direct flow of air through the vestibule.

2. The revolving door of claim 1 wherein at least one of the vanes constitutes an inner portion and an outer portion adjoined with reflex angle ties to permit yielding of the outer portion in a sense contrary to the rotation of the revolving door, thereby permitting the outer portion to yield somewhat when an object is caught between the vane and one of the vertical arcuate casing walls.

3. The revolving door of claim 1 characterized as having a cylindrical radius of approximately three feet with each side of each inner portion of each vane extending horizontally a distance of approximately nine inches from the common vertically disposed axis and with each side of each outer portion of each vane adjoining at an angle of approximately 140 with the inner portion.

4. The revolving door of claim 1 wherein the inner and outer portions of the vanes are of essentially uniform thickness.

5. A revolving door which comprises in combination:

a. a cylindrical vestibule comprising two vertical arcuate casing walls characterized as having a radius of approximately 3 feet, and which subtend slightly greater than 90 to define a door opening;

b. a common vertically disposed axis comprising a revolving hub member within the door opening;

c. four outwardly extending vertically disposed vanes revolving together about the common vertically disposed axis, the vanes defining four compartments of which one is utilized by an individual in passing through the revolving door;

(1. each vane comprising an inner and outerportion characterized by an essentially uniform thickness:

i. the innermost part of the inner portion is rigidly attached to the common vertically disposed axis;

ii. the outermost part of the inner portion is adjoined to the innermost part of the outer portion;

iii. the outer part of the outer portion, at times,

. being in close sealing proximity to each vertical arcuate casing wall;

e. each side of each inner portion is extended horizontally a predetermined distance of approximately 9 inches from the common vertically disposed axis;

f. each side of each outer portion is extended horizontally from the inner portion for a distance greater than the predetermined extended distance of the inner portion;

g. each side of each outer portion adjoining at an angle of approximately with the inner portion, thereby increasing the effective ground space of each compartment utilized by an individual in passing through the revolving door;

h. each side of each inner and outer portion being in a continuous plane; and

i. at least one vane is always in close sealing proximity with each vertical arcuate wall so as to prevent the direct flow of air through the vestibule. 

1. An improved revolving door which comprises in combination: a. a cylindrical vestibule comprising vertical arcuate casing walls defining a door opening; b. a common vertically disposed axis comprising a vertical member within the door opening; c. a plurality of outwardly extending vertically disposed vanes adapted to revolve together about the common vertically disposed axis; d. each vane comprising an inner and outer portion: i. the innermost part of the inner portion is rigidly attached to the common vertically disposed axis; ii. the outermost part of the inner portion is adjoined to the innermost part of the outer portion; iii. the outer part of the outer portion adapted, at times, to be in close sealing proximity to each vertical arcuate casing wall; e. each side of each inner portion is extended horizontally a predetermined distance from the common vertically disposed axis to increase the travel space of a user passing through the door opening; f. each side of each outer portion is extended horizontally from the inner vane portion for a distance greater than the predetermined extended distance of the inner portion; g. each side of each outer portion making an angle with the inner portion of between 90* and 175*; h. each side of each inner and outer portion being in a continuous plane; and i. at least one vane is always in close sealing proximity with each vertical arcuate casing wall so as to prevent the direct flow of air through the vestibule.
 2. The revolving door of claim 1 wherein at least one of the vanes constitutes an inner portion and an outer portion adjoined with reflex angle ties to permit yielding of the outer portion in a sense contrary to the rotation of the revolving door, thereby permitting the outer portion to yield somewhat when an object is caught between the vane and one of the vertical arcuate casing walls.
 3. The revolving door of claim 1 characterized as having a cylindrical radius of approximately three feet with each side of each inner portion of each vane extending horizontally a distance of approximately nine inches from the common vertically disposed axis and with each side of each outer portion of each vane adjoining at an angle of approximately 140* with the inner portion.
 4. The revolving door of claim 1 wherein the inner and outer portions of the vanes are of essentially uniform thickness.
 5. A revolving door which comprises in combination: a. a cylindrical vestibule comprising two vertical arcuate casing walls characterized as having a radius of approximately 3 feet, and which subtend slightly greater than 90* to define a door opening; b. a common vertically disposed axis comprising a revolving hub member within the door opening; c. four outwardly extending vertically disposed vanes revolving together about the common vertically disposed axis, the vanes defining four compartments of which one is utilized by an individual in passing through the revolving door; d. each vane comprising an inner and outer portion characterized by an essentially uniform thickness: i. the innermost part of the inner portion is rigidly attached to the common vertically disposed axis; ii. the outermost part of the inner portion is adjoined to the innermost part of the outer portion; iii. the outer part of the outer portion, at times, being in close sealing proximity to each vertical arcuate casing wall; e. each side of each inner portion is extended horizontally a predetermined distance of approximAtely 9 inches from the common vertically disposed axis; f. each side of each outer portion is extended horizontally from the inner portion for a distance greater than the predetermined extended distance of the inner portion; g. each side of each outer portion adjoining at an angle of approximately 140* with the inner portion, thereby increasing the effective ground space of each compartment utilized by an individual in passing through the revolving door; h. each side of each inner and outer portion being in a continuous plane; and i. at least one vane is always in close sealing proximity with each vertical arcuate wall so as to prevent the direct flow of air through the vestibule. 